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THE AIRPORT WAS PACKED with reporters awaiting for Lumine to arrive. They were lining up at the exit where Lumine is and their cameras pointing at the sliding door. After about a year of being away from her home country, she was finally back. As much as she loves holding concerts and meeting her fans from all over the world, she misses home much more.
After working hard, the company let her take a one-week break before preparing for her comeback. She had already planned to just stay at home, since Aether is also an idol they don’t have enough time to plan a trip together. Both of them were busy.
More than Aether, she misses Xiao the most.
It’s not only her music and performance that she works hard for, but also hiding their relationship. Lumine and Xiao have both agreed to hide their relationship from the public, the only people who know were their managers. Lumine is sure that Aether is going to throw a fit for hiding this from him, not to mention that he and Xiao are in the same group. With the help of their managers, they were able to hide it well.
Their relationship started way before Lumine even debuts as an idol, they both were trainees and met through Aether. It started with a simple friendship until Xiao confessed first. She could not forget the confession, it wasn’t a perfect confession where he knocks on her doorstep or takes her out on a date. It was through a phone call. Late at night, Lumine was sharing her new demo with Xiao and asking for some advice. After that conversation, Xiao said to Lumine to listen to a song that he wrote.
The strum of his guitar can be faintly heard on the phone call, followed by Xaio’s voice. He was a rapper in their group but he could sing well. It made Lumine’s heart race. After Xiao had finished singing, he had confessed that he likes her. Lumine was surprised to the point that it took her a minute to respond. The minute of silence killed Xiao and gave him a heart attack. Lumine accepted his confession, and since they were rising stars they kept agreed to keep it a secret.
It was hard to go on dates not only because of their busy schedule but also they could not risk getting caught. Lumine was the first one to debut since she was only a solo artist, and Xiao just made their debut. Somehow they made it work and are still going strong for four years and so.
For the duration of Lumine’s tour, she would video call Xiao late at night. Due to time differences sometimes Lumine’s getting ready for bed or eating dinner in the hotel room, and Xiao was just about to get up from bed or vice versa.
LUMINE WAS BACK in her home, nothing has changed much but she missed the familiar room, after a year of living in hotels. Once she had settled, she immediately messaged Xiao.
Lumine: I made it back safely!
Xiao: I missed you, I hope that I could have picked you up, or at least meet you.
Lumine: Me too.
Lumine: but have you seen the tag #xiaolumi on the internet?
Xiao: It was your idea in the first place.
Lumine: You liked that idea!
Xiao: ….
In every music show Lumine performed, she had always made a pinky promise sign. It became a thing for her, and fans think that she was making a promise to them. Little did they know it has another meaning to it.
The promise originated from one of Lumine and Xiao’s conversations. As an idol trainee, there were a lot of hardships and obstacles ahead of them. They had thought of breaking up many times because it was too much, but the thought of them being apart was harder than the pressure. So they made each other a promise, if they’re having a hard time they’ll be honest with each other and through their lowest and highest they will be there.
“Shine brightly and I’ll shine brightly too.”
Xiao said on the day of Lumine’s debut. It was another promise that they made to each other.
Now that Xiao made his debut, he also makes a pinky promise sign whenever it’s his screentime during their performance.
At first, fans thought it was just part of the choreography, but there was no word or message of promise in their song. Which fans started to speculate the reason for it.
Now during fan meetings, the fans would always ask their ideal type. Xiao was not very discreet about his type, he was very specific about the personality of his ideal type, now when fans asked about his ideal girl’s feature he said; “I like it when she has a light eye color and it shines the brightest when she smiles.” When they asked about his ideal height, he outright told them Lumine’s exact height with the excuse of him being short it must in that particular height.
Since everyone knows that Aether and Lumine are siblings, Lumine was always linked to their group. Aether being the doting brother, sometimes promotes Lumine.
Now, fans ‘assumed’ that Xiao’s ideal type is Lumine based on his description also with the fact that Lumine is closely related to their group.
One of the fans who were both an avid supporter of Lumine and Xiao’s group had started to link these coincidences. It started with a compilation of Lumine and Xiao’s pinky promise gesture, and the conclusion of who is Xiao’s ideal girl.
The fan video about them did not get much attention at first, but when they were both invited to a variety show more people started noticing. All 4NEMO members, Xiao’s group, were invited for their upcoming mini-album and also Lumine for the promotion of her upcoming comeback as well.
There were other idols as well, but Lumine and Xiao coincidentally got paired through color picking during the games. Lumine’s fans could not help but adore Xiao’s gentle manner towards her. Xiao would always assist Lumine whenever they have to get out of the car, he would hide her behind him so that other players would not target her, he offers her water. When it aired there were more fans than ships both of them.
Xiao was a terrible actor that could not hide his affection for Lumine, if she is around he could not help but be near her. They don’t have the freedom to be with each other easily, so he would ‘discreetly’ move closer to her if she’s there. So when they got paired up during variety show games, his actions spoke everything. He may be the quiet type but his actions make up for that.
Lumine was well aware of those shippers and she was entertained with all the assumptions, conclusions, and pieces of evidence that they collected.
“I guess we dropped too many hints.” Lumine thought with a smile on her face. It was nice to see many people supporting them, but she is also aware that some people will criticize their relationship.
THE FANS have explicitly supported Xiao if he pursued Lumine, and they defended both artists from the haters. The comments were filled with so much love and hope that the two would indeed be a couple someday.
OMG, I hope that they’ll be an official couple already!
Xiao you’re not trying to hide your interest
Do you see how he looks at her?! Tell me that’s not love!
*
Look at Lumine’s hoodie! It seems similar to Xiao’s!
*
Have you seen their cap? It looks like a couple item!
AT THE 4NEMO’S DORM, Venti, their leader, was always on social media and watching fanmade videos when he comes across this video. He was lying on his bed scrolling through various videos when a video of Xiao and Lumine was suggested in his feed. He had a knowing smirk on his face and ended up watching every video of them there is.
“I can’t believe you hid this from us, Xiao.” Venti said out loud, every video he watched it was getting more prominent that they are indeed in a relationship especially knowing those two.
Venti sneered as his mind formulates ideas in his head. He would not let Xiao be at peace as long as he lives. This was the biggest news he had ever seen on the internet.
Their company wasn’t strict on dating, but there were still restrictions and of course, they have to put their reputation first above anything else.
Venti also knows whether or not to cross the line, he wouldn’t just spread the news to the other members, even though he was itching to tell Aether. He was sure that Aether is not aware of this as well. He just wants to put Xiao in a tense situation once in a while.
IT WAS EARLY in the day, Lumine was on her way to start recording for her new album. She prepared a little surprise for Xiao, a song dedicated to him since her comeback was the month of their anniversary. Lumine had already released countless love songs but this one would be the first one where she hinted at a special moment with Xiao.
She had saved this song and had pondered whether to release it or not. It was supposed to be released on its first anniversary but Lumine hesitated and she wasn’t that confident enough yet. Now, she had accumulated enough courage because of the support of her fans. Though she made it discreetly as she could, it can be a song for her fans.
The day of her comeback has finally come, she was more nervous than ever because of that song. She wonders if he would notice it. She was waiting backstage preparing for her comeback countdown and also the performance stage of her main track and b-side.
After her performance, she received a call from Xiao. She was in the car going back to her apartment.
“Lumine. You didn’t.” Xiao said when she had answered his call. She could hear from his tone of voice how ecstatic he was. “I-i, you’re amazing.” After stuttering, it was the only thing he could utter.
“What did I do?” She asked innocently, but she’s well aware of it.
“Stop teasing me. The song promise ? That some of the lines were the promise we exchanged back then?”
Lumine was smiling from ear to ear. She knew that he’ll catch on immediately.
“Well, you sang your written song when you confessed to me. So I guess we’re even now.”
“Lumine,” Xiao whined. She could imagine his defeated state, his hand on his face and blushing so hard. “I wish I’m with you right now. I want to hug you tight.”
“Me too.” Lumine’s smile wavered a little. They were so near yet so far from each other.
They talked until Lumine reached her apartment, Xiao congratulated her on doing an excellent job on her comeback. Once she had washed up, she called Xiao again. They talked and had dinner together via video call to celebrate. They talked until Lumine fell asleep.
XIAO WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE who was streaming Lumine’s album. Her album has been blasting in their dorm ever since it was released. Aether was the one to blame for this, but no one is complaining since everyone is close to her. Kazuha and Venti were also singing and dancing along, it was like they were holding a streaming party at their dorm.
If Lumine sees this, she’ll feel embarrassed.
As Xiao watch the chaos that has been happening in their dorm, he was reminded of that one interview they had.
“So, Aether, your twin sister had made her debut first. I heard from her that you have this competitive sibling rivalry, how does it feel to call her your senior in this industry?” The interviewer asked.
“It was a jab on my ego, but now we’ve debut as well. So we’re racing on who’ll get the all-kill first in award shows.”
Everyone let out a chuckle at Aether’s response. All four of them know and witness their rivalry.
“Fans also want to know; who, among 4NEMO’s other members, would be a suitable partner for her?”
Aether acted as if he was considering it seriously. “Truthfully speaking? No one.” He answered.
“Eyyy.” Venti nudged Aether. “Come on, we’re all decent guys.” All of them protested as well, but for Xiao, he finds this extra funny, he was just holding it in.
“Okay, okay. I’ll give my honest opinion this time. I think Xiao would be suitable for Lumine. Though Venti and Kazuha are okay, Xiao would balance my sister out.”
Their fans caused a positive uproar over this. It was like they received blessings to ship Lumine and Xiao more.
Xiao was extremely satisfied with this answer, it was like he received Aether’s blessing. Though he did feel guilty that he was unaware of their relationship. Lumine and Xiao did have talked about whether they’ll tell Aether or not, but they don’t want Aether to get distracted over their relationship.
They did have that conversation recently again, and Lumine told Xiao that she would tell Aether about their relationship on the coming holidays. Xiao didn’t mind and agreed with it.
“Aether’s going to guilt me over this,” Lumine said.
“It’ll be fine, I’ll handle him at the dorm,” Xiao assured.
Aether wasn’t a strict brother to Lumine. During the days of their pre-debut Venti was the most clingy among them and Aether does not mind it at all. He was glad that they could get along well. It felt like Lumine was an extra member of the group by how close they were with each other.
Venti had never let Xiao breathe during Lumine’s comeback promotion. He would blurt out how pretty Lumine is and looked at Xiao with an annoying smile on his Lumine to promote her upcoming comebacks face and every time Lumine did the pinky promise in every performance Venti would also lift his pinky finger smirking at Xiao. It has been a while now, more than a year since Lumine started that pinky promise gesture on stage and he would still get flustered. Especially when she was making eye contact with the camera with a smile on her face. It felt like they are the only two present in the room.
“If you keep this up Aether would notice,” Xiao said to Venti when they were alone. Aether and Kazuha were doing a photoshoot unit so this was the only time that Xiao could talk to Venti alone without them being suspicious.
“Awwww, you were blushing the whole time. You’re smitten for Lumine and I’m just making sure that you stay smitten for a long time.” Venti teasingly said. “Besides, Aether wouldn’t notice it. He’s naive when it comes to these things.”
Xiao let out a sigh of defeat and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Also, does Lumine knows that I caught the two of you?” Venti added.
“I haven’t told her, you should be the one telling her. You always message each other anyways.”
“Well, I thought you’re going to tell her since you’re the boyfriend. Will she be alright with me knowing?”
“Yeah.”
They were already planning on letting their close friends and family know that they are dating. Four years of hiding their relationship to them were making them feel guilty. It was amazing that they were able to hide it for that long. Xiao was amazing at making sure he wasn’t caught by the members when he was making a late-night phone call with Lumine. Thank goodness that they don’t share any bedrooms.
IT WAS A COLD WINTER DAY, everyone has a week off for the holidays before preparing for the yearly award shows. It was also the time that Lumine and Xiao were about to tell their family and close friends about their relationship. They weren’t nervous but the guilt was eating them. It was time to come clean towards all of them, and at least could have a bit of freedom when they go outside, the only thing that they have to worry about was not get caught by the paparazzi.
Lumine and Aether went home to their hometown to spend the first three days of their holiday there. As they were eating dinner, she could not eat well without feeling nauseous, as the clock ticks by she was growing more nervous. Every food she intakes she her body wanted to spit it back out. It was more nerve-wracking than she had expected, on their way here she was confident that it would go smoothly, but actually doing it was not easy at all.
“Lumine, is there something the matter? You don’t like your food?” Their grandmother asked, and the rest of the family turned her way, which made her even tenser.
“No, no. I’m fine, I still don’t feel hungry since Aether and I ate snacks when we stopped by for a break on the way here.” She lied. Hopefully, they would believe it.
Minutes passed by and Lumine still hasn’t told them about her relationship with Xiao. All of them were almost done eating. Aether finds it weird that Lumine was fidgeting with her food, not only that he could tell that she was anxious. It was making him anxious as well. They’re twins, they have this odd connection that no one could explain.
“Do you want to tell us something, Lumine?” Aether said.
Lumine visibly flinched when Aether said it. Of course, it will not go unnoticed to Aether.
“Well, uhm…” Lumine begins, she does not know how to tell this. Should she just blurt it out?
“You see, Xiao-and-i-have-been-dating-for-4-years-and-I’m-sorry-that-we-hid-it-from-you-guys.” She blurted out fast.
“What did you say, honey?” Their grandmother asked, she was not able to catch what Lumine had said. And their mom and dad were processing her words.
“She said that she’s dating Xiao for four years now,” Aether said.
To Lumine’s surprise, Aether was oddly calm about this situation.
“Really? That boy’s wonderful!” Their mom said and clasped her hands together, and their dad just nodded in approval.
“Xiao? The boy with pretty eyes in Aether’s group?” Their grandmother wanted to clarify and Aether answered yes to her.
Lumine just looks at Aether with disbelief. “What? Do you think I wouldn’t catch up?” Aether asked with a sneer. “Nice try, but you can’t hide anything from me. I’m your twin. You think I wouldn’t know? Also one of Xiao’s hoodies that he would always wear at the dorms suddenly disappeared and when you went live on TeyvatLive wearing that hoodie, I wouldn’t notice?”
“YOU KNEW?!”
“Yeah, nice try at hiding it. It took me two years before finding out.”
“You’re not mad?” Lumine threaded carefully again.
“I mean, sure there was a moment that I was mad. It was the day when I found out. But since you were hiding it, I know you have your own reasons. As long as your happy, Lumine.” Aether said and assured her by patting her head and giving her a sincere smile.
“Why don’t you bring that boy here someday.” Their grandmother said.
That’s why Xiao was now sitting in their dining area as they merrily eat. It was supposed to be a three-day and two nights stay for Lumine and Aether, but they have extended it to one more day.
After dinner and helping out with the dishes the night that their grandmother had requested to bring Xiao to their hometown, Lumine had called him. Telling him everything that had transpired and how Aether knew their relationship for two years now. On Xiao’s end, they had also had positive reactions about their relationship.
“Your brother’s more of a good actor than you then.” Xiao teased Lumine.
“As if you can act as well.”
There was a slight pause before Xiao bravely said what he wanted to say after hearing of their positive reactions.
“Hey, I can come over there the day after tomorrow. Your grandmother said she wanted to meet me right?”
“Like this week?” Lumine was taken aback, so she asked again if he’s serious.
Xiao chuckled at Lumine’s reaction. He wished he could see her flustered face. “Yes, this week. I want to formally introduce myself to them.”
“Yes! Yes. I would love to. We would love to. I’ll tell them right now.”
As promised, Xiao had arrived on the third day of Lumine’s stay in her hometown in the afternoon. Xiao had brought gifts for her family. Of course, Aether and Xiao had a private talk as well after.
“You sneaky little guy. You’ve been dating for 4 years and I thought it was only three.” Aether jabbed Xiao at his side. They laughed it off, still as a brother Aether gave a warning. “No physical touching that lasts longer than a minute.”
“What about holding hands?” Xiao negotiated.
“No longer than five.”
THAT NIGHT, after dinner. Xiao and Lumine were enjoying a cup of tea made by her grandmother at their patio. Their pinky fingers intertwined together as they gaze upon the stars. It was their sixth time so far that they’re together physically this year.
As they enjoy the comfortable silence together, Aether had passed by them saying, “separate bedrooms and no sneaking at each other’s room late at night!”
Xiao was embarrassed at Aether’s audacity to blurt that out in their family house. “Of course, I wouldn’t do that!”
Lumine heartily laughed, it was another wonderful year for both of them. With their parents knowing, it was even more special.